This is a classic example of the Suzhou School, with the subjects framed by extensive swirling, serrated rockwork, and billowing clouds on the shoulders. In these bottles the variously colored areas have been cleverly used to dramatic effect, and the carving is of the highest technical quality. The relief details are carved in the round with undercutting to add a three-dimensional quality. Suzhou was renowned as the center of the best lapidary work and this bottle bears the finest of Suzhou characteristics

For two jade bottles using the same clever combinations of black and white and with complex figural scenes, see the Catalogue for the exhibition, Chinese Snuff Bottles, A Miniature Art from the Collection of Mary and George Bloch, Hong Kong Museum of Art, March 18, 1994-June 8, 1994, pp. 64-65, nos. 42 and 43. For another with figures and waterfowl near rockwork see Christie's, November 27, 1991, lot 147 and another example with scholar and attendant holding a fan, see Sotheby's, New York, Imporant Chinese Snuff Bottles, July 1, 1985, lot 206. For further discussion of this group see Hugh Moss, Victor Graham and Ka Bo Tsang, The Art of the Chinese Snuff Bottle, The J & J Collection, vol. I, New York, 1993, pp. 69-73, nos. 24 and 26